Brazil’'s Ambassador to the EU Pedro Miguel da Costa e Silva Euronews’e said that the EU’'s decision to ban meat imports from Brazil’ from September is “surprise”, and Brasilia’ is in talks with the European Commission to reverse this move.
Da Costa e Silva’'s comments came a day after a committee of EU national experts voted to ban Brazilian meat imports due to the use of antimicrobials to encourage the growth of animals.
The decision comes just days after the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur countries (Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina) entered into force temporarily to liberalize trade in agricultural products.
Da Costa e Silva euronews’e “The decision was a surprise for us yesterday” said.
Brazil is the first country to be removed from the list of countries that comply with EU food safety standards for antimicrobials.
Da Costa e Silva stated that his team met with the Directorate General of Health of the European Commission for “ to obtain ” explanations about the decision, adding that “Brazil has initiated a technical dialogue with the Commission to reverse the removal of ’ from the list.
While the free trade of agricultural products between the EU and Mercosur remains highly contentious, EU farmers warn that low production standards in Mercosur countries could create unfair competition.
The ban on Brazilian imports will cover live food-producing animals and commodities, including derivatives such as beef, poultry, eggs, aquaculture and honey, and will take effect from September 3, 2026, ’.
Commission spokeswoman Eva Hrncirova euronews’e said: “In order to be included in the list of third countries authorized to export to the Union, Brazil’ must ensure that the exported products comply with the Union's requirements for the use of antimicrobials for the entire life of animals of origin.”
Hrncirova said that Commission’ is already working closely with Brazilian officials on the issue. “After compliance, the EU will be able to allow/continue exports, ” added.
